Blake School students head to Iowa to help with caucuses
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Ahead of one of the most pivotal stops in the 2020 presidential race, more than 60 metro high school students are heading to Des Moines to help campaigns.
Iowa’s caucuses are on Monday, but on Saturday morning Blake School students left to get a firsthand look at the process and will encourage Iowans to participate.
Social studies teacher David Graham has been in charge of this unique field trip since 2004. In the first trip 16 years ago he had 19 students — this year he’s got 65, the most he’s ever taken. His passion for politics dates back to his time working for the late Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone.
“It’s really phenomenal to have them so engaged,” Graham said.
“They’ve watched debates, and that sort of things, but seeing candidates live at a rally is a totally different energy,” Graham added.
Blake School students load onto a charter bus on Feb. 1, 2020, for a field trip to help with the Iowa caucuses.[KSTP-TV]
The group comprises freshmen and seniors, who will be able to vote for the first time this year.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the people on the campaigns,” senior William Phillips Longley said.
Students will connect with campaigns to not only observe and learn but also take part in door-knocking and cold-calling to encourage people to participate. On top of that, Graham said the students will be able to meet candidates.